GUARDS: A

Kobe Bryant has hit three dramatic buzzer-beaters to lift the Lakers to victories and has played all 41 games despite a fractured right index finger, which are two of the reasons why he is being mentioned as a possible MVP winner this season. Bryant’s injured finger has been a serious concern now and again during the first half. Derek Fisher’s production has slowed, but he’s still a capable and experienced player in key moments. No one runs the triangle offense with as much knowledge as Fisher.

FORWARDS: B+

Ron Artest continues to search for his niche after signing a five-season, $34-million contract as a free agent last summer. He’s proved to be a strong rebounder and defender. He’s not yet comfortable in the triangle offense, however. Lakers coach Phil Jackson would like Artest to be more assertive offensively. The Lakers are 21-3 when Pau Gasol has been healthy and in the lineup. He’s their best rebounder and one of their best playmakers, which makes him a big threat all over the court.

CENTERS: A-

Andrew Bynum has taken another stride in his evolution as a forceful player on the low block. He has a deft touch on his short-range jumpers and his hook shots. He still must work to improve his defense, something Jackson harps on frequently during his sessions with reporters. Gasol is no slouch when it comes time to slide from his power forward position into the center spot. He’s not as physical as Bynum but he did a credible job on Orlando’s Dwight Howard the other night, for instance.

BENCH: B-

The Mob got benched far too often to suit Jackson in the season’s first 41 games. The reserves’ play was too inconsistent and too prone to disappointment to be as effective as hoped. The returns of Luke Walton from a back injury and Gasol from a hamstring strain should give the Lakers more depth off the bench. Lamar Odom has returned to his role as the sixth man, giving Jackson more of a spark from his subs. and Shannon Brown has emerged as someone more than a high-flying dunker.

COACHING: A

It’s hard to find fault with any of Jackson’s moves when the team has a league-leading 32-9 record and doesn’t appear to have a legitimate challenger in the Western Conference standings at the season’s midway point. Jackson managed to keep things together recently when the team had a rash of injuries. The bigger question is whether Jackson will want to return to the bench after his contract runs out at season’s end. His health is good and he seems to be enjoying coaching a winner. Grade: A

OVERALL: A-

What’s not to like? Their goal of breaking the Chicago Bulls’ league record of 72 victories has all but vanished, but they’re still on pace to post the best mark in the NBA this season. They have somehow maintained sufficient interest in the regular season to hammer a few inferior teams, squeeze by some others and rise to the occasion when called for against their fellow elites. There also have been a few clunkers along the way (see: Cleveland on Christmas Day), which just proves they’re human. Injuries have cost them a few wins, too. Bryant’s leadership in crunch time has been remarkable this season. Gasol showed his value to the team, making them far better when he’s been on the floor. Bynum’s progress has been measurable again this season. Still, there remains a sense that the team’s best days are still ahead. Their upcoming eight-game trip, starting Thursday in Cleveland, looms as a significant test.

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